Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has presented Certificates of Occupancy to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for lands earlier allocated to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the new Millennium City in Kaduna State.
While speaking during the visit to the NAF Headquarters yesterday, Sani commended the CAS for his outstanding performance and his efforts at transforming the NAF into an “agile and resilient force” while also highlighting NAF’s air power roles in Operation WHIRL PUNCH, which has led to the drastic reduction in the frequency of attacks by terrorists and other criminal elements.
Edward Gabkwet Air Vice Marshal, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF in a press statement on Tuesday stated that the Governor also commended the CAS for upgrading the 271 NAF Detachment at Birnin Gwari to a Wing status now to be known as 4135 NAF Wing, Birnin Gwari. He also informed the CAS that his administration has allocated 10 operational vehicles to the NAF to enhance ongoing operations.
Gabkwet stated that NAF is a vital partner in ensuring the safety and security of Kaduna State and is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to enable the NAF to effectively carry out its mandate and secure our communities.
Responding, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed utmost delight at Governor Sani’s presence, which, according to him, underscored the commitment of the Kaduna State Government to collaborate and support the NAF.
He also thanked the Governor for his kindness in approving the Certificate of Occupancy for the 2 parcels of land to the NAF, which he assured would be put to good use for the benefit of NAF personnel.
“We’re grateful for all the support we’ve been receiving from the Kaduna State Government and I want to assure you that we won’t rest until we rid Kaduna State and its surroundings of all criminal elements. Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted NAF’s efforts to enhance its operations through the installation of new landing and navigational aids at the Military Airport in Kaduna. These, according to him, would increase the frequency of flight operations as well as improve ongoing operations.
The presentation of the Certificates of Occupancy marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and the NAF, as they work together to address the security challenges facing the state and the nation.
Recall that in October 2023, the Kaduna State Government approved the allocation of a total of 88.840 hectares of land comprising 44.894 hectares and 43.746 hectares to the NAF at the newly carved out Kaduna Millenium City.
“The lands would be partly developed into a new NAF Base and majorly for construction of Post Service Housing Schemes for the NAF personnel.
Meanwhile, NAF air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch on terrorists’ enclaves in Giwa Local Government of Kaduna State have led to destruction of the terrorists’ camps.
“The strikes, according to a press statement on Tuesday were carried out between 30 and 31 May 2024, and executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, situated at Bula Forest area in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
“The strikes were prompted by painstaking Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) operations conducted in the targeted vicinity where several clusters of thatched roofed huts within compounds were observed amid thick vegetation. The surveillance also confirmed a substantial presence of armed terrorists loitering around the huts and over 13 motorcycles seen tucked under a large umbrella tree. Additionally, a targeted exploitation of multiple sources revealed that the terrorists at the location were responsible for most of the attacks and kidnappings in several communities within Birnin Gwari Igabi and Giwa LGAs. Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched its available air assets to strike the location. Overhead the location, scores of the terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment.
“Following a tip that some of the surviving terrorists had relocated 500 meters west of the interdicted location, a follow up strike was immediately conducted, with a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealing the neutralization of several terrorists and their hideouts engulfed in flames.
“Similar air strikes were also carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji in Northwest Nigeria on 2 June 2024 after intelligence revealed the location of terrorists’ kingpin Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. The location was also observed to be having a cluster of huts and zinc roofed structures with multiple human and livestock movements. Accordingly, air interdiction was authorized and conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility. After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footage and feedback received revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their structures engulfed in flames.
“The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to sustain domination of the battle space through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens within its various Areas of Responsibility. Still, a whole of society approach remains a key factor in the ongoing efforts to minimize the threats posed by criminal elements,” Gabkwet added.
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